What is Sapporo SORACHI 1984?
Sapporo SORACHI 1984 is one of the unique beers brewed by Sapporo Breweries.
What sets this beer apart is its use of the Sorachi Ace hop—a legendary hop variety developed in 1984 in Kamifurano, a town in Sorachi District, Hokkaido, Japan.
SORACHI 1984 is characterized by a refreshing aroma reminiscent of hinoki cypress and lemongrass, achieved through Sapporo’s original dry hopping method.
It’s a beer that truly showcases the distinct, crisp, and aromatic qualities of the Sorachi Ace hop.
Although it’s incredibly flavorful and unique, it’s not a mainstream beer and isn’t available everywhere.
In this article, I’ll share how you can find and enjoy SORACHI 1984!
Where to Buy SORACHI 1984 in Japan
You can often find SORACHI 1984 in Japanese supermarkets! However, it’s not stocked at every store—you’ll usually have better luck at supermarkets with a wider beer selection.
I checked four supermarkets in my neighborhood and found it available at all of them, so there’s a relatively good chance you’ll spot it.
That said, it’s not guaranteed, so I wouldn’t recommend making a special trip to a supermarket just for this beer. Instead, keep an eye out for it while you’re shopping for other items—you might get lucky!
It’s worth mentioning that I’ve rarely, if ever, seen SORACHI 1984 at convenience stores, so I wouldn’t suggest looking there.
Where to Drink SORACHI 1984 in Japan
Good news! You can also enjoy SORACHI 1984 at various restaurants and bars throughout Japan.
What’s more, many establishments serve it fresh from the tap, offering a draft beer experience that’s quite different from the canned version.
Since many dining spots carry it, I highly recommend trying the draft SORACHI 1984 and savoring the rich, freshly poured taste.
What Does SORACHI 1984 Taste Like?
The moment you take a sip, a bold, fruity aroma bursts through and lingers in your nose. The description of its scent as similar to hinoki and lemongrass is spot on!
It’s incredibly refreshing, with a well-defined hop bitterness.
This is a beer where the hops take center stage, offering a sophisticated aroma and bitterness that hop lovers will appreciate.
Final Thoughts
The Sorachi Ace hop beer, developed in Japan, is something you can’t easily find outside the country.
If you have the chance to visit Japan, I highly recommend giving SORACHI 1984 a try!
